Kenny Smith Discussing GM Job With Sacramento Kings


Longtime TNT analyst Kenny Smith says he’s in discussion with the Sacramento Kings about running their basketball operations starting next season. USA Today reports: “Longtime general manager Geoff Petrie has been told that he will not be re-signed after his contract expires later this month, and Smith is clearly hoping to be part of the new regime. ‘We’ve been talking; we’ve been talking,’ Smith said. ‘That’s all I’m going to say.’ Owner Vivek Ranadive has been looking to have a two-tier structure of sorts, with a widely known name at the top joining forces with a respected executive in the front office. He is known to have had recent discussion with former Indiana Pacers team president Larry Bird, and fellow candidates Chris Wallace (former Memphis Grizzlies general manager), Travis Schlenk (Golden State Warriors assistant general manager), Mike Dunleavy (longtime coach and executive) and David Morway (former Pacers general manager) have interviewed for the job.The Kings have also received permission to speak with Pete D’Alessandro, the vice president of basketball operations for the Nuggets. But Smith wasn’t afraid to campaign for his own cause, admitting that he’s looking for his next challenge after becoming one of the most prominent and entertaining voices in the basketball world. ‘I’ve been winning my whole life,’ Smith said. ‘I’ve been blessed to be a winner. So whatever happens, whatever I do, I’m going to win an Emmy next year or I’m going to try to win an NBA championship or I’m going to try to win in cards. I’m a winner. I’m a winner. I’ve been blessed in my whole life, so I think I have a clear vision.’ […] Asked if he has been on the lookout for front office opportunities, Smith said, ‘Honestly, I’ve been looking at both — coaching, and a lot of things have been coming these last couple of years, and this time I’ve been taking it serious. My kids are at an age where I feel comfortable. And the other years, the kids were just too young. I didn’t want to be in it. But I just started taking it serious.'”